Any Civil/Structural Engineers out there?

[BOOSTDEF]

Hi,

Im currently nearing the completion of my 3rd year of civil/structural engineering, and was wondering if there were any engineers at AFF who i could possibly talk to about the industry, and also possible vacation work over summer.

Im having a "great" time searching for vacation employment, having applied here there and everywhere. I also had a 1 hour and 20 minute interview with an organisation who will remain un-named until the outcome is found. Lets just say im not optimistic about how it went.

Anyhow, thanks

:

[hoppo366]

Thats what I'm studying only I'm only first year, do you go to UQ mate cos thats where I'm studying. I wouldn't mind finding out more about the industry myself.

[BOOSTDEF]

Yeh UQ mate. Its not a bad uni. Parking could be better though :P

Gets better each year too.

[hoppo366]

Yeah I'm glad I'm in St Lucia only have to walk or ride my pushy its only worth driving if I park under the exhibition hall but that cost a bit a $1.20 a hour. As far as the uni goes I love it its a great campus to be at, plus its got a great rep.

[jonk]

I'd be getting in touch with the engineers society - they have contacts galore.

[BOOSTDEF]

Yeh I have done that through Engineers Aust. Mainly VIC based companies :(

Located in Brisbane.

[McobraR]

Originally Posted by BOOSTDEF

Yeh I have done that through Engineers Aust. Mainly VIC based companies :(

Located in Brisbane.

Hi BOOSTDEF, just wondering if Civil engineering is hard? Im currently doin a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture at University of Technology Sydney, and am thinking of changing to civil engineering, do you think someone that doesnt know much physics and maths since high school can handle the load? any info appreciated ;)

[BOOSTDEF]

Its hard to say mate. I wasnt the best at maths going into yr 12 but got myself out of it through extra work.

Starting off in the degree, mathematical skills are mostly tested. I would say you could get away without the physics(As most ENG degrees all have introductory physics), but id say you would need at least knowledge of calculus before commencing.

The course is structured in subjects of 4 or 5 throughout the semester, with first year having introductory subjects for both maths and physics, but they require a "bit" of presumed knowledge.

Basically if you can cope with first year, your set. BUT, the workload (And difficulty) becomes quite overwealming as the years progress.

Id say go for it though. If your willing to put in a few extra yards in the first year, you will find in the 2nd and 3rd, what you learnt in the first year is basically recalled and a little bit more knowledge is added.

Hope it helps mate.

[BOOSTDEF]

Still no bridge builders around???

[tickford2001]

i may be able to help, we are pretty selective on our graduates, but i can probably get your CV straight to the right places if you wanted

I see youre from QLD, we have offices in Brisbane, GC & Cairns depending on where you wanted to be situated. I think Brisbane would be your best bet though.

Need to get in quick, we have just hired our yearly intake here in melbourne, so Brisbane etc wouldnt be far behind im guessing.

Flick me your CV if youre keen and ill get the ball rolling for you and see how it goes.

Cheers,
Dave

[WRC]

Have you thought about applying to mining companies? I'm not sure if you're aware, but there is massive shortage of mining engineers at the moment worldwide and PLENTY of mining companies are hiring engineers from other disciplines in an attempt to cover the gap. Obviously it's slightly different sort of work than civil and it may not be acceptable for your vac work requirements.

Something to think about though.

[McobraR]

Originally Posted by BOOSTDEF

Its hard to say mate. I wasnt the best at maths going into yr 12 but got myself out of it through extra work.

Starting off in the degree, mathematical skills are mostly tested. I would say you could get away without the physics(As most ENG degrees all have introductory physics), but id say you would need at least knowledge of calculus before commencing.

The course is structured in subjects of 4 or 5 throughout the semester, with first year having introductory subjects for both maths and physics, but they require a "bit" of presumed knowledge.

Basically if you can cope with first year, your set. BUT, the workload (And difficulty) becomes quite overwealming as the years progress.

Id say go for it though. If your willing to put in a few extra yards in the first year, you will find in the 2nd and 3rd, what you learnt in the first year is basically recalled and a little bit more knowledge is added.

Hope it helps mate.

Yep thanks mate, i guess my decision between being an architect and engineer has just become harder

[tickford2001]

Originally Posted by WRC

Have you thought about applying to mining companies? I'm not sure if you're aware, but there is massive shortage of mining engineers at the moment worldwide and PLENTY of mining companies are hiring engineers from other disciplines in an attempt to cover the gap. Obviously it's slightly different sort of work than civil and it may not be acceptable for your vac work requirements.

Something to think about though.

pays very well too :

[Silver Ghia]

Originally Posted by McobraR

Yep thanks mate, i guess my decision between being an architect and engineer has just become harder

Depends on what sort of work you want to do, doing structural analysis or design type work.

I would stick with architecture if I was you. (I'm an engineer).

[McobraR]

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

Depends on what sort of work you want to do, doing structural analysis or design type work.

I would stick with architecture if I was you. (I'm an engineer).

haha, see what i mean? some people say i should do an engineering course, others say stick with architecture. I dont kno, hopefully somethin will come up. only reason why i dont wanna do architecture anymore is cus its too hard to find a job, supposedly theres too many architects and to little architectural engineers, which im assuming are civil engineers. But thanks for the input anyway ;)
cheers

[ratman]

Originally Posted by McobraR

only reason why i dont wanna do architecture anymore is cus its too hard to find a job, supposedly theres too many architects and to little architectural engineers, which im assuming are civil engineers.

And who told you that? I'm both a qualified Civil engineer - although never practiced formarly, and an Architect who's been in practice for about 8 years now, we can't find enough people to fill the positions at the moment but it is a very cyclical industry. We've got offices in Bris, Syd, Canb, Melb, Townsville and overseas as needed on projects ie The Olympics.
If you're good enough - there is always work.
Architecture is not something you 'do' - not picking on ya but I genuinely believe its a vocation, yes basics, theory etc can be learnt and any monkey can learn to draw but the passion needs to be there in the thinking & design - thats what true architecture's about.

If u see yourself really getting involved in the fine intracacies of how structures are connected and supported then structural engineering is your thing, civil engineers are the people who generally deal with site conditions, roads, parking, traffic studies and waste management.

I work all around Australia and overseas and all the consulting engineers i deal with are looking for employees - seems to be a shortage in most major cities at the moment but that can change very quickly.

Look, the best way to sum it all up in very simplistic terms is this, Engineers know a lot about a little amount of things, Architects know a little about a lot of things.

Hope that helps.

[WRC]

Originally Posted by tickford2001

pays very well too :

Oh yes I forgot to mention that bit I've heard of graduates picking up close to 80-100k these days. Bastards. Was a lot lower when I graduated I can tell you!

[BOOSTDEF]

Sorry for the late reply guys. Been working hard with my new job at Thiess. Great company who have made me feel welcome.

CHeers.

[old_mate]

Theiss eh? Was going to do a short apprenticeship with them as an electrician but i couldnt see myself enjoying the hours and travel needed to work in a mine. Glad its working for you though